Macbook Air, the worst Macbook ever, don't buy it

[Meister]

there is no excuse for Apple to put a $5 TN panel on a $1000 laptop. $200 chromebooks have more pleasant to look at displays.

It is a big shame because the 13" Air would be the best laptop if it had a good display. It has everything else going for it.
3 times I bought an Air but ended up selling them shortly after because the display is unacceptable to me.

TN panels have a significantly lower latency and power consumption.

The Air is widely considered the best overall laptop ever made.

 

[AFEPPL]

What about MBA with i7 vs rMB with m7 ?

I don't have the numbers - do you? So I've no idea "either" way if it's more or less.

So i could make blind or silly comments around how it doesn't matter the CPU number is higher and the test is not real.... however what is indisputable, is despite the MBA owners screaming and kicking while trying to poking fun, the rMB is a more than a capable machine and will be sufficient for most users workflows

**Edit i7-4650U is @ 2800Single and 5500Multi

 

[8692574]

Hello, i ve been since long time a big Macbook Air enthusiast but i ve sold mine some month ago, why?
I think its worst Macbook in 2016, le met explain
- 11/13, new Macbook is very close if not smaller than 11, MBP 13 is also just behind MBA 13 in term of size/weight

- Both resolution are awful, everything is blurry, you literally see every pixel on the display
You cant use 1366x768 in 2016 while your iPhone has almost same resolution if not higher (i am not even talking about Android smartphones which have 2k/4k resolution LOL)
Your own phone have bigger resolution and better pitch LOL

- TN panel, that would be my main blame about MBA, i couldnt use it in couch, on the bed, TN suffers from viewing angle, poor colors and less contrast than IPS
Its a big no no in 2016

Maybe MBA is more powerful than Macbook, maybe more connectivity but you wouldn't use a TN panel display and such low resolution, i have it in my first netbook before Macbook Air was introduced by Tim Cook

For Apple users, if you like the portability of 11, get new Macbook, if you like the best compromise of size with 13, go on MBP 13, you wont regret it

I am not trolling lol, i believe Apple made the right choice, new Macbook has everything for an ultraportable, portability, great display...
The only thing which i disagree, its about pricing, its such pricey
That would explain why Macbook Air is so popular, because its cheaper!

Funny, I am having a blast with my 11" Air....
The Display is the least important part of my Laptop, it is hooked up to a monitor when at home and for when on the road it servers VERY VERY well!!

For 11" portability get the 12 rMB?? are you crazy??? bringing dongles to connect even a thunb drive?? losing raw speed and connectivity while spending more just to have a better on the go display??

Display is the main thing ONLY if it is your main computer AND you do not have another monitor around.....

 

[andreyush]

I don't have the numbers - do you? So I've no idea "either" way if it's more or less.

So i could make blind or silly comments around how it doesn't matter the CPU number is higher and the test is not real.... however what is indisputable, is despite the MBA owners screaming and kicking while trying to poking fun, the rMB is a more than a capable machine and will be sufficient for most users workflows

**Edit i7-4650U is @ 2800Single and 5500Multi

I don't care . You came up with that chart where it shows m7 vs i5. Unfair comparison . Again we see the best of rMB vs average of MBA.

 

[AFEPPL]

I don't care . You came up with that chart where it shows m7 vs i5. Unfair comparison . Again we see the best of rMB vs average of MBA.

It's not "my" chart, in the same way its not "my" internet. But feel free to post one as i cant see one!
clues in the naming, M5, i5, M7, i7.... the M5 and i5 are comparable...
I also when and put in the i7 numbers above... but just for you...

M7 clocked more 2812 for single and 5780 multi where as i7 MBA got 2792 for single and 5760 for multi. The series are pretty much aligned...

 

[jerwin]

It's not "my" chart, in the same way its not "my" internet. But feel free to post one as i cant see one!
clues in the naming, M5, i5, M7, i7.... the M5 and i5 are comparable...
I also when and put in the i7 numbers above... but just for you...

M7 clocked more 2812 for single and 5780 multi where as i7 MBA got 2792 for single and 5760 for multi. The series are pretty much aligned...

Here's a comparison between those two machines. The Macbook seems to be rather good at cryptography, and has faster memory.

Of course that's 32 bit. Most applications are 64 bit these days.

 

[andreyush]

M7 clocked more 2812 for single and 5780 multi where as i7 MBA got 2792 for single and 5760 for multi. The series are pretty much aligned...

Yes..That's what I am saying . The series are pretty much aligned. The performace difference is insignificant .

 

[AFEPPL]

so it's not underpowered then...

 

[akash.nu]

so it's not underpowered then...

No it's not.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

Isn't the difference between passive and active cooling obvious?

 

[8692574]

You can argue with number all you want, but when you do the same thing side by side every day you notice the difference.....sure the single operation might be equal, but I don't know anyone who does only one task at the time and then lets his/ her computer cool down before doing something else.

The Air is a versatile and capable machine while the rMB so far is a cool show off machine wich does what it is supposed to.

Neither laptop is designed to be used as a workstation, but when you pick either one you would have to ask yourself:
Do i need / want more port, slightly better cpu , lower screen res, magsafe connector and a cheaper machine or a single port with dongles with better screen?

As said earlier the display is (should be) the main thing ONLY if it is your main computer AND you do not have another monitor around.....

 

[andreyush]

so it's not underpowered then...

I didn't said it's underpowered

 

[AFEPPL]

If it's not underpowered (which seems to be agreed), it's more portable and it's got a better screen, one begins to wonder why such a kerfuffle... it's a great little laptop. And no, i don't own one.

 

[8692574]

If it's not underpowered (which seems to be agreed), it's more portable and it's got a better screen, one begins to wonder why such a kerfuffle... it's a great little laptop. And no, i don't own one.

Both have ups and down , on one side you have:

Air Pro :
more ports,
slightly better cpu (read as less throttling)
magsafe connector
"better keyboard" (subjective i know)
cheaper machine
standard usb (i know it will change the standard but for now everything is in the regular usb size)
better webcam
SD card slot (only on the 13)

Air Cons :
Lower screen res
outdated look

And on the other:

rMB Pro :
better screen
more portable (only if you consider the 13 Air...the 11 has the same portability)
newer look

rMB Cons :
no mag safe
"worse keyboard "(subjective i know)
worse cpu (read as less throttling)
only 1 port for everything
dongles
usb c (the standard for now is not USB c)
worse webcam
more expensive

At the end of the day for a lot more money you gain "just" the screen and for most people the display is the main thing ONLY if it is the main computer and / or you do not have another monitor around.....

If you want a computer as a status symbol then the rMB is the choice otherwise for now the Air should be your go to machine, IT WILL change pretty soon, by the next generation the rMB will probably address some issue and some other will be resolved by themselves (read usb c).

EDIT:
Open to input on pro and cons!!

 

[akash.nu]

You can argue with number all you want, but when you do the same thing side by side every day you notice the difference.....sure the single operation might be equal, but I don't know anyone who does only one task at the time and then lets his/ her computer cool down before doing something else.

The Air is a versatile and capable machine while the rMB so far is a cool show off machine wich does what it is supposed to.

Neither laptop is designed to be used as a workstation, but when you pick either one you would have to ask yourself:
Do i need / want more port, slightly better cpu , lower screen res, magsafe connector and a cheaper machine or a single port with dongles with better screen?

As said earlier the display is (should be) the main thing ONLY if it is your main computer AND you do not have another monitor around.....

100% agree with that and that's the reason I use the Air as my work computer, portable and powerful enough for my work. When I'm in the office I just connect it to an external monitor.

 

[AFEPPL]

As always you see things as plus's "if" it benefits you... like you say, "subjective"
Ports are not a big issue or a plus if you never use them, and so on.. but mag safe is the only con in my mind for the rMB.

I'd take the rMB over the MBA every day of the week.

 

[8692574]

As always you see things as plus's "if" it benefits you... like you say, "subjective"
Ports are not a big issue or a plus if you never use them, and so on.. but mag safe is the only con in my mind for the rMB.

I'd take the rMB over the MBA every day of the week.

I know exactly as I do not see the display as a pro on the rMB.... but I do not go around telling people the rMB is terrible...

As long as you know what you are buying I guess you should be fine with either device! To each his / her own.

Personally I prefere the port as with a laptop i am always connecting usb drives, thumb drives my audio equipment and my camera...so more ports is more useful than better screen.

 

[bubulol]

As always you see things as plus's "if" it benefits you... like you say, "subjective"
Ports are not a big issue or a plus if you never use them, and so on.. but mag safe is the only con in my mind for the rMB.

I'd take the rMB over the MBA every day of the week.

Everyone has a priori before using rMB, that including myself.
Its not underpowered, it fits enough for most of standard use
Retina display is clearly a killer ''feature'', drastically better viewing angle, better definition...
Now i can admit a lack of usb port/macgsafe doesnt help (and indeed, its very pricey)
People here still dont recognize that MBA is not a bad laptop at all, its an outdated laptop since years because of Apple will (they would ve put Retina display since 2/3 years)
Outdated doesnt mean its bad laptop, it does mean Apple will abandon it

 

[cincygolfgrrl]

I'd take the rMB over the MBA every day of the week.

According to your equipment list you own 3-MBPs and 0-MBAs and 0-rMBs.

You're entitled to your opinion, but not using either computer puts your credibility in question. Those of us who use MBAs or rMBs have made our choice based on our individual assessments of the pros and cons of each and how our choice effects our workflows. You have not. Calling our decisions into question makes you look like a bully. I think you'd be happier here.

 

[AFEPPL]

According to your equipment list you own 3-MBPs and 0-MBAs and 0-rMBs.

You're entitled to your opinion, but not using either computer puts your credibility in question. Those of us who use MBAs or rMBs have made our choice based on our individual assessments of the pros and cons of each and how our choice effects our workflows. You have not. Calling our decisions into question makes you look like a bully. I think you'd be happier here.

I'm not bully anything or anyone, read the posts, it's the opposite... i'd say that's a comment that could be directed towards a few others. If you believe any of "my" posts are bullying; then you should report them. So i will politely ask you to retract that, or substantiate it. i don't like to being called names and it's against the forums rules for appropriate debate.

I'm defending the rMB as a good platform only. "If" i was in the market for a device and couldn't get a rMBP i'd go with the rMB is "ALL" i have ever said - other than it's not underpowered despite the continuous assertions to the contrary despite the third party performance results posted. (use the word bullying here if you choose?)

I have NEVER said any ones purchase decisions or workflows are right or wrong, so pls don't say i have.

 

[cincygolfgrrl]

I'm not bully anything or anyone, read the posts, it's the opposite

At your invitation, I did. I never called you a bully, I said your posts made you look like one. Anyway, you're right. You just happened to be the convenient target.

But please take a moment to look at this from our perspective. About once a month someone who doesn't use a MacBook Air will start a thread condemning those of us who do, informing us we're enemies of all that's fast, and pretty, and modern. If we were as smart as we think we are we'd just ignore the thread and move on to more uplifting topics. But like a moth to a flame, we can't resist.

In any case, I'm trying to understand why someone, supposedly intelligent, would find it necessary to crash a forum and make disparaging remarks about people who use a different computer than he does. This is more directed at the OP than you.

Wouldn't your opinions be better expressed on the MBP forum? You're welcome to visit the forum discussing equipment you don't own or use, but please, respect our choices. Those of us who love our MBAs do so for reasons you wouldn't understand. Browbeating us into submission will only invalidate whatever other opinions you might hold.

Thanks for reading. I'm sorry I picked on you specifically when in fact you were probably the least offensive of those who hate MBAs.

 

[johannnn]

My girlfriend has a 13" MBA and can't stand my 15" rMBP. Her MBA never get's warm, never lags, and have amazing battery life. And that's all she cares about. A crappy screen is perfect for some people!

 

[Ankaa]

Air Cons :

outdated look

rMB Pro :
newer look

See, and even that is subjective. I LOVE the look of the Air. Granted, the bezel could be a tad smaller, but I hate the black bazel of the rMBP/rMB. I miss the glowing Apple on the rMB. I love the sleek, tapered design.

And that's only looks, don't get me started on that awful rMB keyboard.

Some people don't care enough for Retina (or outdated screens/panels) that it would influence them in any major way. I guess there are people and there are people. I, for one, would buy the Air over the MB and even the MBP (because I don't need that much power, it's pricy, and get's hot) any day. Would I like to have retina in the Air? Yeah. I have a 5k iMac and retina is a nice to have. But it's really only that, nice-to-have. Not a deal breaker.

People bitching how awful the air's screen is and how everything is blurry and how they can see every single pixel certainly don't use their laptop to actually work. They obviously have different priorities in life...

It's not always about having the latest and most modern tech. Sometimes it's also about "never touch a running system".

 

[8692574]

See, and even that is subjective. I LOVE the look of the Air. Granted, the bezel could be a tad smaller, but I hate the black bazel of the rMBP/rMB. I miss the glowing Apple on the rMB. I love the sleek, tapered design.

And that's only looks, don't get me started on that awful rMB keyboard.

Some people don't care enough for Retina (or outdated screens/panels) that it would influence them in any major way. I guess there are people and there are people. I, for one, would buy the Air over the MB and even the MBP (because I don't need that much power, it's pricy, and get's hot) any day. Would I like to have retina in the Air? Yeah. I have a 5k iMac and retina is a nice to have. But it's really only that, nice-to-have. Not a deal breaker.

People bitching how awful the air's screen is and how everything is blurry and how they can see every single pixel certainly don't use their laptop to actually work. They obviously have different priorities in life...

It's not always about having the latest and most modern tech. Sometimes it's also about "never touch a running system".

Hey I just bought an Air!!!!! And my post is defending the Air......but I have to admit that the rMB looks newer..did not say better

 

[Ankaa]

Hey I just bought an Air!!!!! And my post is defending the Air......but I have to admit that the rMB looks newer..did not say better

No worries, I just wanted to add that even the looks are subjective and not really an argument for or against either machine

I don't even think the rMB looks newer. Just a little different. But all in all really not THAT different.

But yeah, I'm someone who doesn't need a new design every other year or so. I don't get bored. You can't improve perfectness and you certainly shouldn't change it, anyway (man I miss the white iMac and Macbook )